Quick answer, the best schools to learn English in Chicago are:
- Papora
- Universidad DePaul
- Kaplan International Languages
- Poder English Works
- The College of Chicago
- GT Educational Center
- UNAM Chicago Home
- Tutorium English Language UIC
- Lewis University
Learning numbers in English might seem simple, but the real challenge is using them correctly in sentences to understand native speakers. Today, speaking a second language is a valuable skill — especially if you live in Chicago.
We invite you to explore the information in this guide and begin your English-learning journey to enjoy all the benefits it offers.
Boost your English to unlock new opportunities in Chicago
Papora is the perfect solution. Easy, accessible, and effective. With our online platform, you can improve your English from the comfort of your home.
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1. Papora - Online English School
Papora operates through a platform designed by native-level teachers and experts in teaching English. The course is divided into five levels where common situations are recreated so you can assimilate the lessons more easily. This means you'll have fun and learn almost without realizing it.
Benefits of studying with Papora
Because it's online, you have 24-hour access to all lessons, so you can progress at your own pace without external pressure. All you need is an internet connection and you're ready to go.
The time you'll save on commuting can be used for other activities. Plus, you'll also save on expenses thanks to its affordable price, one of the best benefits this school offers.
Why study with Papora?
With Papora, you'll gain the confidence to navigate situations where you'll need to use your English.
A great bonus: upon completing your studies, you'll receive a certificate for each level you've completed to add to your CV and improve your job prospects. All at a more than affordable price. Papora is, without a doubt, the best option.
2. ELA DePaul University
The university's English Language Academy offers an intensive English course for students seeking a university degree. DePaul University was founded in 1898 and currently has more than 20,000 students. It is one of the most prestigious universities in the state.
Main Features
Its comprehensive program focuses on language skills developed through the social and academic life of its campus. It has groups of 10 to 17 students, led by expert teachers.
Plans and Locations
- Address: 25 E. Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1100, Chicago, Illinois, United States.
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Contact: 312-362-8000 / admission@depaul.edu
- Plans: Depends on the extras you want to hire.
Advantages and Disadvantages
This English language school is sponsored by DePaul University, as mentioned above, so it has the backing of a large institution. Unfortunately, it has received complaints of mistreatment by some teachers and some of the administrative staff.
3. Kaplan International Languages
This English-born franchise has offices in eight countries and has been offering educational services for over 80 years. It currently offers a variety of English courses, from basic to advanced, with flexible durations.
It also offers accommodation, visa processing, student insurance, and other services.
Main Features
They apply their own learning system, called K+, which is based on immersing students in their native English-speaking environment: books, clubs, and online resources. The idea is to ensure they continue practicing. Their courses have several start dates that students can choose from.
Plans and Branches
- Address: 444 N. Michigan Avenue, Mezzanine Level, Chicago, Illinois, United States.
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Contact: 312-962-2460 / socialteam@kaplan.com
- Plans: Flexible Course $440 USD, Long-Term Course $8,800 USD, Exam Preparation $440 USD, Professional Courses $525 USD. All prices are per week.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Their system, which includes practicing with people from various countries, is quite effective. Unfortunately, they don't have such flexible schedules; furthermore, their prices are far from affordable.
4. Poder English Works
This educational center was founded in 1997 to support the local community's education. Later, in 2013, they began offering a program focused on teaching English. They currently have two locations where this program is offered.
Main Features
This center uses the 6-level IE (Integrated English) program to teach English through contextualized lessons, personalized support, and complementary skills and service workshops, which are linked to other topics to enhance the teaching process and empower students.
Plans and Branches
- Address: 3357 W 55th St, Chicago, Illinois, United States.
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Contact: 312-226-2002 / gpiedra@poderworks.org
- Plans: They operate as a non-profit organization.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Poder is a very beneficial organization for the Latino community in Chicago, and its English program is effective, but it is not recommended if someone is seeking more specialized levels of English.
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5. The College of Chicago
This university is one of the most prestigious in the Midwest and was created to meet the language education needs of local and international students. They offer ESL and TOEFL programs.
Main Features
The school offers courses at all levels, with expert instructors who provide personalized support. You’ll learn in small groups, at a convenient city-center location, and enjoy comfortable accommodation during your stay.
Plans and Branches
- Address: 105 W. Madison Street Suite #1800, Chicago, Illinois, United States.
- Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Contact: 312-332-0588 / info@thecollegeofchicago.com
- Plans: TOEFL and ELS courses cost $250 USD per semester; an additional $300 USD is charged at the beginning for other services.
Advantages and Disadvantages
They are recognized as a prestigious school, but they don't really disclose the type of teaching methodology they use. The courses are long and not cheap.
6. GT Educational Center
This language center was established in 1995 and has since offered a variety of English courses to meet the diverse needs of individuals and companies from all over the world.
Main Features
They grant certifications, offer housing services, student insurance, and university placement assistance; they also have accreditations from US and international organizations.
Plans and Branches
- Address: 816 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, Illinois, United States.
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Contact: 847-568-1560 / info@gt.edu
- Plans: Depends on the course, with prices starting at $2,000 USD per session (8 weeks).
Advantages and Disadvantages
Its effectiveness is not in question, although they have received complaints about the length of the classes, as some consider them short compared to the cost of the course.
7. UNAM Chicago
The National Autonomous University of Mexico is a world-renowned institution, and this extension aims to internationalize it in the United States. They conduct research and teaching for undergraduate and graduate students.
Main Features
Its programs (Puma Winter and Summer) seek to improve students' social interaction and English communication skills through sociocultural immersion activities under the guidance of English-speaking facilitators who are experts in language teaching, who expose students to everyday situations.
Plans and Branches
- Address: 350 W Erie St # 300, Chicago, Illinois, United States.
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Contact: 312-573-1347 / unamchicago@chicago.unam.mx
- Plans: Both the Winter and Summer Puma Programs cost $400 USD.
Advantages and Disadvantages
UNAM Chicago offers many cultural programs to foster academic ties and promote Mexican culture abroad; however, the number of English courses for city residents needs to be increased.
8. Tutorium English Language UIC
As part of the University of Illinois at Chicago, Tutorium trains students in their English proficiency, from intensive courses to undergraduate and graduate degrees. This center has been operating for over 40 years with expert teachers.
Main Features
They have expert teachers who teach group classes with students from around the world. They also offer a variety of courses—from basic to more specialized—for students to choose from.
Plans and Branches
- Address: 1333 South Halsted Street, Suite 260, Chicago, Illinois, United States.
- Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Contact: 60607-5019 / tutorium@uic.edu
- Plans: Depends on the course you're taking.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The quality of teaching at this school is unquestionable, and although they claim their courses are aimed at everyone, the truth is that they focus much more on the academic field. Needless to say, their tuition is somewhat high.
9. Lewis University
Lewis is a highly regarded Catholic university in Chicago. It was named one of the top 10 Catholic universities in the United States. Its campus is extremely safe and welcoming, and is home to over 1,000 students in 11 residence halls.
Main Features
This university offers two types of language learning programs in conjunction with the ELS Language Center. Those who complete the courses receive a certificate with international recognition for university admission. They also offer a course for advanced students.
Plans and Branches
- Address: One University Parkway 60446, Romeoville, Chicago, Illinois, United States.
- Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Contact: 815 8380500 / pr@lewisu.edu
- Plans: Depending on the course chosen.
Advantages and Disadvantages
This university offers good courses to students and provides ideal conditions for them, but not for adults just looking to learn the language. Furthermore, its costs are quite high.
Papora gives you the best option to learn English in Chicago
With engaging lessons and a user-friendly platform, you can boost your English anytime, anywhere — and get ready to shine in Chicago.
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Why do we recommend studying English online with Papora?
Papora applies the best English learning techniques to benefit its students. It has a 24-hour platform, designed by native-level teachers, with lessons based on real-life situations. If you have any questions, you can also contact us.
Additionally, you receive a certificate of completion with academic value upon completion of your studies to add to your resume. All at the most competitive price on the market. Compared to the other schools described on this list, Papora is the best option for you.
If you want to learn more about English schools in the USA, you can visit our articles on Miami, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Houston, and New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions About English Schools in Chicago
The best thing to do is set aside two hours a day to practice and progress more quickly, but don't pressure yourself. If you struggle with two hours, 30 minutes can help you progress, a little more slowly, but the important thing is not to stop.
The most important thing is a good cost-benefit ratio. A good course has a clear and effective system that you feel comfortable with; it also provides you with a certificate and makes the classes available at all times. And don't forget that it's reasonably priced.
